The rains have come, at last. Our hills and mountains are taking on a beautiful shade of green, and flowers will soon begin to bloom. The wildflowers come in waves over the next few months, before the warmth of summer drives them back into dormancy. I was hiking last year in the Santa Monica Mountains, maybe a mile from the Ray Miller trailhead, when I took the picture below. We have to enjoy the flowers when they are growing, as they fade so quickly.

The new life on our hillsides comes along at just the right time this year to serve us as a metaphor, not only for the Risen Christ, but also for what’s possible in our own lives when we commit ourselves to the ancient spiritual path of the Christian life. It was always our Lord’s intent that we, too, would experience in our lives, here on earth, constant renewal and growth.

We would also like to burst forth in renewed, life giving ways:

to be good spouses and parents

to be individuals committed to integrity

to succeed professionally in ways consistent with our beliefs and morals

to develop healthy friendships

to be respectful of legitimate authority

to have rich and nourishing prayer lives

to shepherd our resources judiciously, preparing well for our children’s educations and our own retirements

to care for our own bodies through a judicious diet and regular exercise

to be on constant lookout for beauty

to be aware of our many reasons for gratitude

to experience joy

My prayer for you this Easter is that the renewal we experience all around us in nature, and that we celebrate as the triumph of our Lord Jesus over death, finds its way into your life as well. I pray that you flourish, even blossom, especially in those places where you recognize the need to grow. I look forward to journeying with you this year, together, as God’s Easter people, ever filled with hope.